Daily Archives: 05/19/2015

Yesterday was a thrilling day for working families, A Better Balance, and the entire paid leave movement in the United States! In the past few months, we have shared with you an incredible number of work-family victories, including the passage of 4 new paid sick time laws (which A Better Balance worked on) in November’s election. The momentum is clearly continuing into 2015! In his State of the Union address, President Obama featured the need for paid leave laws in the United States and pointed to the success of the issue in the November election.

A Better Balance is currently drafting and providing legal support on paid sick time bills and paid family leave bills in dozens of states across the country. The President’s call for a nationwide paid sick time law, his pledge to provide support through his budget for state paid family leave programs, and his spotlight on the need for workplace leave will provide an incredible boost to these campaigns and our organization’s work.

A Better Balance’s Co-Presidents, Sherry Leiwant and Dina Bakst, released the following statement last night on the President’s remarks:

“A Better Balance applauds President Barack Obama for shining a national spotlight on paid family leave – and the idea that Americans cannot be financially secure unless our public policies support their ability to care for their children and families – in tonight’s State of the Union address.

Ten years ago, A Better Balance was founded as a legal advocacy organization to address the problems caused by the failure of our public policies to keep up with the changing workforce and the needs of families. The proliferation of new laws we have written in states and cities around the country guaranteeing workers paid sick time for themselves and their families, paid family leave and an end to pregnancy discrimination are proof that better policies are possible and will work.

Tonight the President makes it clear that this is a national problem that requires national solutions – so that families are not left with impossible choices between caring for their loved ones and meeting their basic financial needs. And we pledge to work harder than ever to ensure that those policies become a reality for all American families.”

As we continue to fight for paid leave laws and policies, you can help! Stories are crucial to informing public officials of the need for paid leave. If you have a story about your need for paid sick time or paid family leave, or if having paid time off to care for your family (especially if it is leave provided under one of the laws we’ve helped pass) has made a difference for you, please share your story with us! And if you work in New York State and would like to support our ongoing campaign to pass a paid family leave insurance law, please add your name to our petition.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business for 1 hour with the time equally divided and with the Democrats controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.1314.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

Legislative Business

Passed H.R.2252, to clarify the effective date of certain provisions of the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014.

Adopted S.Res.182, expressing the sense of the Senate that Defense laboratories have been, and continue to be, on the cutting edge of scientific and technological advancement and supporting the designation of May 14, 2015, as the “Department of Defense Laboratory Day”.

Executive Business

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Last Floor Action:10:37:00 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00:20 A.M.

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

10:00:25 A.M.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Mike Bost to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00:44 A.M.

MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.

10:37:00 A.M.

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess.

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:41 P.M.

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 19.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Tom Emmer. Mr. Emmer (MN) submitted his resignation from the Committees on Agriculture and Foreign Affairs The resignation was accepted without objection.

12:04:08 P.M.

The House received a communication from the Honorable Patrick Meehan. Mr. Meehan submitted his resignation from the Committee on Homeland Security. The resignation was accepted without objection.

12:04:56 P.M.

H. Res. 272

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 272 — “Electing Members to certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.”

12:05:31 P.M.

H. Res. 272

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

12:05:34 P.M.

H. Res. 272

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

12:05:38 P.M.

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which the Chair announced would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

12:32:02 P.M.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Deputy Clerk notified the House that he had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 19, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. stating that that body had agreed to H. Con. Res. 43.

12:33:09 P.M.

The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Deputy Clerk notified the House that he had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 19, 2015 at 11:27 a.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 2252.

12:33:27 P.M.

H. Res. 271

Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 271 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1806) to provide for technological innovation through the prioritization of Federal investment in basic research, fundamental scientific discovery, and development to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2250) making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2353) to provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.”

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 242 – 179 (Roll no. 243).

2:00:50 P.M.

H. Res. 271

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:00:52 P.M.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished question was on the motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 178 which was debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

2:01:30 P.M.

S. 178

Considered as unfinished business. S. 178 — “To provide justice for the victims of trafficking.”

2:08:35 P.M.

S. 178

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 – 3 (Roll no. 244).

2:08:35 P.M.

S. 178

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2:10:16 P.M.

ORDER OF PROCEDURE – Mr. Shuster asked unanimous consent that the question of adopting a motion to recommit on H.R. 2353 may be subject to postponement as though under clause 8 of rule 20. Agreed to without objection

2:10:22 P.M.

H.R. 2353

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 271. H.R. 2353 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.”

2:10:27 P.M.

H.R. 2353

The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1806, H.R. 2250, and H.R. 2353.

Ms. Esty moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Transportation.

3:03:18 P.M.

H.R. 2353

Debate – The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Esty motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment adding the following new Subtitle E-Passenger Rail Positive Train Control Funding pending a reservation of a point of order. Subsequently, the reservation was removed.

3:07:32 P.M.

H.R. 2353

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

3:10:48 P.M.

H.R. 2353

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Esty motion to recommit with instructions, the Chair put the question on adopting the motion to recommit and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Esty demanded the yeas and nays and pursuant to the order of the House of today, the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until a time to be announced.

3:16:03 P.M.

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notification that the national emergency with respect to the stablization of Iraq will continue in effect beyond May 22, 2015 – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 114-40).

3:16:50 P.M.

H.R. 2250

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 271. H.R. 2250 — “Making appropriations for the Legislative Branch for fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.”

3:16:55 P.M.

H.R. 2250

The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1806, H.R. 2250, and H.R. 2353.

3:17:12 P.M.

H.R. 2250

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 271 and Rule XVIII.

3:17:13 P.M.

H.R. 2250

The Speaker designated the Honorable Earl L. “Buddy” Carter to act as Chairman of the Committee.

3:17:23 P.M.

H.R. 2250

GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2250.

3:55:42 P.M.

H.R. 2250

An amendment, offered by Mr. Ratcliffe, numbered 1 printed in Part B of House Report 114-120 to zero out $5,700,000 in funding for the Open World Leadership Center and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

3:55:43 P.M.

H.R. 2250

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 271, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Ratcliffe Part B amendment No. 1.

4:09:28 P.M.

H.R. 2250

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Ratcliffe amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Wasserman Schultz demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:09:59 P.M.

H.R. 2250

An amendment, offered by Mr. Flores, numbered 2 printed in Part B of House Report 114-120 to prohibit any funds for delivering printed copies of the Congressional Pictorial Directory.

4:11:30 P.M.

H.R. 2250

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 271, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Flores Part B amendment No. 2.

4:18:54 P.M.

H.R. 2250

On agreeing to the Flores amendment; Agreed to by voice vote.

4:19:06 P.M.

H.R. 2250

An amendment, offered by Mrs. Blackburn, numbered 3 printed in Part B of House Report 114-120 to provide for a one percent across the board cut. Exempts Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, and the Sergeant at Arms.

4:20:02 P.M.

H.R. 2250

DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 271, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Blackburn Part B amendment No. 3.

4:31:39 P.M.

H.R. 2250

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Blackburn amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Wasserman Schultz demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:01:52 P.M.

H.R. 2250

On agreeing to the Ratcliffe amendment; Agreed to by recorded vote: 224 – 199 (Roll no. 245).

5:08:11 P.M.

H.R. 2250

On agreeing to the Blackburn amendment; Failed by recorded vote: 172 – 250 (Roll no. 246).

5:08:40 P.M.

H.R. 2250

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2250.

5:09:08 P.M.

H.R. 2250

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

5:09:20 P.M.

H.R. 2250

The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 2353 — “To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.”

5:24:39 P.M.

H.R. 2353

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 182 – 241 (Roll no. 248).

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

5:35:10 P.M.

H.R. 874

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 874 — “To amend the Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004 to improve the high-end computing research and development program of the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.”

5:35:35 P.M.

H.R. 874

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:35:37 P.M.

H.R. 874

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 874.

5:46:41 P.M.

H.R. 874

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

5:46:44 P.M.

H.R. 874

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:46:58 P.M.

H.R. 1162

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1162 — “To make technical changes to provisions authorizing prize competitions under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.”

5:47:25 P.M.

H.R. 1162

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:47:26 P.M.

H.R. 1162

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1162.

5:57:51 P.M.

H.R. 1162

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

5:57:53 P.M.

H.R. 1162

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

5:57:54 P.M.

H.R. 1119

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1119 — “To improve the efficiency of Federal research and development, and for other purposes.”

5:58:26 P.M.

H.R. 1119

Considered under suspension of the rules.

5:58:27 P.M.

H.R. 1119

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1119.

6:06:44 P.M.

H.R. 1119

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:06:47 P.M.

H.R. 1119

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:06:48 P.M.

H.R. 1156

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1156 — “To authorize the establishment of a body under the National Science and Technology Council to identify and coordinate international science and technology cooperation opportunities.”

6:08:02 P.M.

H.R. 1156

Considered under suspension of the rules.

6:08:04 P.M.

H.R. 1156

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1156.

6:14:47 P.M.

H.R. 1156

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:14:52 P.M.

H.R. 1156

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:14:54 P.M.

H.R. 1156

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

6:15:09 P.M.

H.R. 1561

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1561 — “To improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather research through a focused program of investment on affordable and attainable advances in observational, computing, and modeling capabilities to support substantial improvement in weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather events, to expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.”

6:15:22 P.M.

H.R. 1561

Considered under suspension of the rules.

6:15:23 P.M.

H.R. 1561

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1561.

6:32:53 P.M.

H.R. 1561

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:32:55 P.M.

H.R. 1561

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:33:24 P.M.

H.R. 1158

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 1158 — “To improve management of the National Laboratories, enhance technology commercialization, facilitate public-private partnerships, and for other purposes.”

6:33:53 P.M.

H.R. 1158

Considered under suspension of the rules.

6:33:54 P.M.

H.R. 1158

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1158.

6:52:05 P.M.

H.R. 1158

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.